Bongartz

As the boar charges me again, I am unable to dodge due to my exhaustion, getting thrown a few feet away from the boar. As I stand back up shakenly, I let my frustration out, and charge the boar with another Sword Art, quickly stabbing it 3 times over, killing it. Unfortunately for me though, he didn't drop the Pristine Tusk, so I need to return to town to rest, then come back out here again for the last one.

"Well, at least I didn't take too much damage out here, but man I'm beat. Hopefully, when I get my energy back, I can come back out here and get the last one fairly quickly. Now I know how to use Sword Arts properly, perhaps it'll be a lot faster."
I sheathe my sword, and then begin walking through the forest though now even more exhausted than I was, heading back to the Town of Beginnings. 

As the Boar Pup charges, I step to the side, easily dodging the tusks again, but my exhaustion is still showing, in my delay to swing my own blade, as I miss the boar again. When the boar stops it's charge and turns around again, I point my sword straight at him, then flip the sword back into a reverse grip.

"Alright, if I'm lucky, you're the last one I'll need to kill for my 3rd Pristine Tusk, but even if you don't give it to me, I need to return to town once I'm done here and rest."

*Once I'm able to get stronger, I won't be exhausted so easily. Perhaps I can get a Skill or something that will help me recover energy faster out in the field? In any case, I think I should try to make more friends, so I don't always have to go at it solo.*

As the boar prepares to charge, I ready myself to attack, hopefully I can kill it now.

I quickly find another Pup, though this time I'm starting to feel a bit tired after using my first Sword Art, so I clumisily swing my sword, and wildly miss hitting the boar, but despite my tiredness, I'm still able to dodge this boars charge without getting hit.

"Alright, Sword Arts take a lot out of you, it seems. I'll have to be careful in their use, and not go wild with them. Good info to know, i suppose. I'll need to rest back in town soon, hopefully I'll get the last Pristine Tusk before I have to call it a day."

I ready my blade, and take another deep breath, making sure I'm focused on the fight at hand. The Boar Pup looks like it's about to charge again, and I can't let it best me. I reverse my sword in my hand once more, feeling like the reverse hand grip suits me better in combat at the moment.

The Boar Pup charges again, my side step once more a little too slow, but this time, my sword glows red, and I can feel power welling up, just waiting to be released. I find myself launching at the Boar Pup's side, stabbing him 3 times in rapid succession, watching his HP drop all the way to 0.

"Woah, what just happened? If I recall, Ourian did that, when he first taught me how to fight in this world. A Sword Art, I believe he called it? Know that I know how to use it myself, I'm sure fights will be much easier."

As I think out loud to myself, I realize this boar has also dropped a Pristine Tusk, and I can't refrain from a shout of joy.

"A 2nd one, already? I won't argue that, I'm almost done with this quest now. Just need one last Tusk."

I sheathe my sword once more, and prepare to find the last Pristine Tusk.

As I soon come across my next Boar Pup, I immediately engage it, as I have been, unsheathing and swinging the blade in the same movement, but this boar pup was just a little faster and he evaded my attack, though as he swung his tusks at me, I was able to dodge them and roll away, for a brief moments respite. As I regain my footing, the Boar pup and I gauge each other, readying for the next clash.

"Alright then, you seem faster on your feet than that last Pup, I may have to be a bit more careful."

*Perhaps I should consider increasing my attack power, and be more of a fighter, instead of trying to be a Treasure Hunter. Or at the very least, try to find a good balance between the two.*

I take a deep breath to stem my thoughts, slow my breathing and watch my enemy for his next move. 

As the Boar Pup begins it's final charge, I run towards it and jump over, spinning my whole body slashing at the Pup from above as it passes under me. When I land, I quickly make my way over to where the boar fell, and to my immense joy, it dropped the first Pristine Tusk I needed.

"Awesome! One down, 2 more to go. If only all my fights could go as well as this one did. I'm really liking the Keen ability on this Sword, when it's active, it feels like it's drawn to the enemies, and I can't miss. If only I could figure out how to kill these things faster. 3 hits seems a bit much, but I suppose without spending the Points to increase my weapon damage, not much I can do about it."

I sheath my sword once more, happy with my little bit of luck, and begin my pursuit of the next Tusk. 

As the Boar Pup charges again, this time I'm ready for it, easily able to side step, and cut it once more. watching it's HP drop into the red and he needs only one more hit to be dealt with. The Boar Pup fell over with the cut, but now is regaining it's footing.

"Getting slow with that cut are you? At least that's some good luck for me, now if you'd be so kind as to drop a Pristine Tusk for me, when I finish you off?"

The Boar Pup glares at me with it's red eyes, as I sigh. Why am I talking to the boar? Not like it really understands what I'm saying, anyway. I spin the blade in my hands, now holding it in a reverse position, the sword behind my back, with my other hand in front of me, ready to move to either side for the final slash.

As I walk through the forest, I see another Boar Pup. It's looking right at me, so i know stealth isn't an option here, so I merely unsheathe my sword and charge at it. It reciprocates, and as I attempt to side step it's charge, it's tusk scatrches me as I run my blade along it's side. Now it eyes me warily, being injured mid-charge. I ready my blade, expecting another charge.

"That's right, come on. I'm getting tired of you little Pups not dying fast. This time, you will give me a pristine Tusk, got it? "

This time around, I'm fairly sure that even if I plant my sword again, in this world with HP and damage, that the boar won't die outright like the last one did. Perhaps after I strike it once more, it'll work, but not yet. There's got to be a trick to killing these things fast.

Sighing, I start to think of new ways I might still be able to win, despite how agile this Pup is. As I ready my blade once more, I remember some old stories of how a medieval boar hunt would be done by stabbing a lance of some sort into the ground, that had an extra piece of metal in front of it, made so when the boar charges, they would run straight into it, skewering themselves for the kill. This is only  a Pup, so perhaps if I plant my sword during it's charge, it'll cut itself open?
As I'm thinking, boar starts charging again, and I have to move quickly. I plant my sword into the ground and jump back from it, just as the pup slams into the sword, cutting himself open, dead. Unfortunately, the edge of his tusk still got me just a little, as a parting gift. I walk back over to pull my sword out of the ground and hopefully get my first tusk, but to my great dismay, it didn't drop.
"Well, that fight was a pain. I only need 3 of them, so I figured it wouldn't be an easy drop, but still. At any rate, I need to find another pup now, and with my swords Keen effect now in place, perhaps I can kill it with a single blow."
I sheathe my sword then walk back into the forest, keeping my eyes peeled for another Boar Pup.

Hearing my words, the boar charges again recklessly, allowing me to once more sidestep easily, though my swing of the blade was just a little too slow, and I failed to connect. This goes on for a few more minutes, the two of us attacking each other and missing or being blocked. After every miss, I get more agitated, desperate to finish this fight quickly.

"If you're just a Pup, I'm scared to see what a full grown boar would do to me. As it is though, you're really starting to annoy me, and I want to kill you sooner rather than later. Now stand still so I can end you!"

I charge the boar this time, taking the initiative and trying to surprise the boar, but it merely jumps over me as I slash, bouncing off my head in the process.

"Really? Why can't you just die already? I'm getting tired of you dodging my sword." 

Lost in thought, I didn't notice the boar was already on top of me, and it tackled me again before I could block. I stand back up, and shake my head.

*Damn, I could have ended this right there if I didn't start doubting myself. What I do back in Town can wait until then, I can't afford to let myself get so distracted out here.*

The boar charges again, which I'm able to sidestep out of the way, but now I'm just watching it, waiting for the right moment to counterattack that should give me the best chance to hit it. After a few moments, it stops as well, eyeing me.

"Well, how's this for a showdown, huh? A Swordsman vs a Boar, and neither of us can seem to get the upper hand. Thing is though, I only need a single hit, where you need over 30. I will win, but just how badly will you get me?"

The boar charges once more at blinding speed, tackling me before I can even react. Once I stand back up, it's already coming back at me, so I hold my blade defensively, blocking the tusks. I push off, knocking the boar away, and while it's knocked up, I slash quickly, enjoying watching the health bar fall into red. Though I'm disappointed it's not dead yet, it's easy enough to see it won't last much longer. 

"Alright pup, one more slice from my sword and it'll be the end of you."

The sword in my hands feels slightly heavier, and I remember Keen only lasts in between hits.

"Well, guess I have to make this next swing a really good one."

*This is only a pup though, and while my health isn't too bad off, it takes 3 hits to kill even one. Maybe I should just stick to gathering, or spend some points to be and level my proficency?*

I shake my head to clear my thoughts; I'm in battle, I've not the time to be thinking like this. I ready my sword and prepare for the next charge.

I draw my blade, though the sound of it quickly draws the attention of the Boar, which although it appeared to sleep, was merely waiting for me. The boar came charging at me and as I tried to move to the side, it's tusk scrapped against my leg.

"Well, aren't you just a wonderful pain? Looks like I can't take this as easily as I thought."

As it turned around to charge again, I stood facing it, and jumped over the boar, slicing it's rough hide, but it was far from a telling blow. I look around to make sure it's friends aren't coming yet, but for now it's still only me and him. I ready my blade once more, and my sword feels lighter in my hand now. 

"I'd forgotten, my Sword is Keen. That'll definitely come in handy."

I smile at the boar, and point my sword at it as a taunt;

"Come on then, let's finish this."

I walk up to the Gate, placing my hand upon the stone and smile, so much has changed. Gripping my blade, I walk forward, glad for the chance to move my body in battle once more; 

"Fighting may not be my thing for the most part, but while I have my blade, may as well use it for something. Now, let's go find me some Boar Pups."

Upon saying that, I run forward towards the forest, where I hope a few Boars may be resting and can attack quickly, maybe kill some before they can even react. When I reach a clearing, I see a beautiful lake, and at the far side, is a single Boar Pup, that seems to be sleeping with it's back towards me.

"Jackpot, now just to sneak up on it and end it with a single slice."

I start to creep up on the boar, and place my hand on the hilt of the sword, ready to draw in an instant.

As I walk along the stone walls and building of the Town of Beginnings, I let my feet guide me to where I need to go, and soon I find myself once more back at the Old Blacksmith's shop, and I last remember being here with Percy, so long ago. "Well, here goes, let's hope I can still take this quest." At that I knock on the wooden door sharply, to which is answered by a heated reply;

"Oi! I'm coming, I'm coming, this better be important." Lyle opens the door and looks at me hard, then seems to faintly remember me; "Oh, boy. You're the one that came with a package from Old Zach a while back. What can I do for you?"

"Well, Sir, I was hoping I could help you with something. You mentioned before you needed help with something, was wondering if you still did?"

Lyle looks me up and down before nodding slowly;

"Aye, that I do. I need Boar Pup Tusks, 3 of em mind you. They aren't going to be easy to collect either, I need them in pristine condition. You do that, and I'll give you either a new weapon or new armor, your decision."

As he finishes talking, the Accept Quest pop-up appears in front of me, and I smile as I press Accept;

"You can count on me, Sir. I'll get you 3 pristine Boar Tusks. Be back soon!"

Lyle nods at me, then closes the door as I walk towards the Gate. *Heh, Boar Pups shouldn't be too hard to find, just hope that I can fight them, despite not being much a Fighter.*

Sighing, I close the door of my shop behind me, looking at the Town of Beginnings. *Man, it's been a while since I actually left town. Percy and Ourian are probably leagues past me by now, what would they say if they saw me now?* I stretch then remember the last time I saw Percy; "Right, there was that quest we did, it took him forever to find all those Mushrooms. Thinking about it, actually, didn't that turn in lead almost directly into another quest? What was that Blacksmith's name? Lyle Teasmith. I'm sure if I head there, I can take his Quest, and maybe work on catching up with the the others." Smiling to myself, I nod and start trying to remember where the Blacksmith's Shop was, before smiling again and heading into the Town, confident I'll remember the way. Before making my way to the Blacksmith though, I decide to walk to the Gate, where so much began for me, and start to think about all those I met that Day, the Day I decided to fight back! Once I finish reminiscing however, I march briskly towards the Blacksmith's his location suddenly very clear in my mind.

*Hmm, I wonder where Percy has been, it's been a while since I've seen him. He should be here soon though.*

I hear the door to the shop open, and quickly come out from the back room to see Ourian, rather than Percy return. I smile to Ourian as I begin talking;

"Oh, hey, Ourian. Been a while since I've seen you. I'd hope I was here though, this is my shop after all. What can I do for you?"

I pull out my last two ores from my inventory, place Shiverspine on the counter, and take a deep breath;

"I need to Appraise this item for Percy, but the last couple of times I tried, I couldn't find anything. So I plan on trying again, he did already pay me after all, but once I do that, I'll be done here, mostly because I'll be out of materials. Kinda was hoping that they would last longer, but unfortunately, not all stock runs forever. Is there something in particular you needed, however?"

"Well, let's have a look at this spear then. hmm?"

I mumble to myself, hoping I can do something to make up for locking Percy's mask. As I hold the spear, it feels a little strange, and the design is definitely not my cup of tea. At any rate, I take two more ores out of my inventory, and see what I can find. 

After using the first ore, nothing happens. I sigh, as I attempt to use the 2nd ore for the same result.

"Well, this is a first. Nothing happening after two tries? Whatever this spear's hidden slot is, it must be something really good. At any rate, I'll have to try again later, but right now I need more materials before I do much else."

With that, I place the spear and mask behind my counter for when Percy returns, and walk into the back to prepare to go out hunting.

"I have to stay in the shop though, at least until Percy comes to get his equipment. Just hope he doesn't hold my lack of results against me."

I walk back to my shop after another adventure outside the gates, getting more items from my shop, and approach my stores mailbox, looking to see if any new items came in. I find a mask and a spear waiting for me, attached with a note from Percy asking me to appraise them. I decide the mask takes priority, as he specializes with war hammers, so the mask may be more for him then the spear.

I attempt to appraise the mask, but at first, nothing happens. Thus, I take a second attempt, having to now wait until later to appraise the spear, but I find the mask has nothing to tell, as the title <Locked> appears next to Mask of Torment. I shake my head lightly, hoping he won't be too upset with me for this.

"Well, you win some, you lose some. I'll send him a message, letting him know what happened."

"Hey, Percy, I got some updates for you. I couldn't figure out anything on the mask at first, so I tried again, and there's nothing to tell. The spear I'll appraise once I get the chance again, just thought you should know. Because I failed, I'll return 200 Col once you come to pick up the mask. Once my, my apologies~Bongartz."

As Lyle talks, he seems to have something on his mind, which is then proven when he asks for our assistance.

*Well, he certainly seems, ah, unique. Somehow though, I feel like this might just get interesting.*

I smile back at Percy, and share in his laugh;

"Well, I'll certainly assist with whatever it is you're needing. Just let us know what you need."

When the pop-up informs us of completing the Quest, I smile again: this is a wonderful start to a friendship, and a perfect quest, despite some ups and downs throughout. Another quest together, and who knows what we'll have to do, and how much stronger we can become, both on our own and together as a team. 

*Percy and I make a pretty decent team, maybe we can have our own little group get bigger, and perhaps become one of the best Guild this game has ever seen. We can do so much just the two of us, just imagine when it's 4 or 5 of us. The possibilities are endless!*

I confirm the transfer of 200 col, then I smile and nod back to Percy;

"Thank you, I tried to make it easy to navigate, and easy to keep track of. Of course, and you're always welcome to stop by and visit. Maybe we'll come to arrangements, trade your equipment for my appraisals."

As I watch Percy leave, I sigh in relief. If I couldn't find any slots, his opinion of me would have dropped immensely, and I would have lost a potential partner and customer. As long as most of my appraisals were successful, I could rely on them for the most of my Col, until I get special items to sell. If I get some gear from Percy though, I could easily make a lot of Col off of his work, that I would split with him, 50/50. 

"This could be the start of a wonderful business partnership, and I have to hold my side of the bargain."

With that, I walk out of my shop, closing it and locking it, to go back out into the field for some items.

I nod with a smile, when Percy thanks me, and ponders his offer to visit his forge;

"I'd be glad to visit, could always use a new sword. I think we could be great business partners once I become a Merchant."

*A Blacksmith that seems to be quite skilled, maybe even a natural, and a soon-to-be Merchant who has no idea what being a merchant entails. What could possibly go wrong?*

After a little while, Percy points to a building, as if he knew that's exactly where we needed to go, so I merely nod, following. Once inside, Percy holds up his package, so I do the same;

*How does he always seem to know where to go, and what to say? I wonder if he was maybe a Beta Tester, who just decided to wait a while in town before actually playing the game for real?*

"Well, to be honest, it's 2 packages we bring from Zachariah. He insisted we bring these to you straight away."

I breathe a giant sigh of relief upon being told I succeeded, and then smile at the Percy and Zachariah;

"Whew, that's a relief. Thank you for having faith in me."

As he asks Percy and I to deliver a package to a Lyle Tealeaf, I try to think of where his shop would be exactly, but if Zachariah says we can't miss it, I guess we'd just need to have faith in that. When Percy bows to Zachariah, I do the same, though I say nothing, as Percy is saying everything for the both of us.

*Percy says he can't be a leader, but to me, it seems as though it comes naturally to him. I wonder if he even knows it though? If he doesn't now, he will sooner or later, and my bet is on the former.*

As we finish the conversation, I open the door of the house, and let Percy walk out, then follow behind him.

I chuckle nervously at Percy's comment, kinda scared if I try again I might just burn the place down, though I know he meant it as a joke, then smile at Zachariah's kind words;

"Yes, burning the place down would be quite bad, and yes, failing is the only way to truly learn something. Alright, I'm ready, let's make a good potion this time."

I concentrate all my focus on the task at hand, making sure I do everything right, and hold my breath as I pour the liquid into the flask;

*This is it, I have to hope it's sufficient enough for Zachariah to approve. I failed once, and he didn't mind too much, but I can't let him down twice in a row.*

As I shake the vial, the potion glows for a second, then fades, but the vial and liquid are both intact and well.

"Umm, why did it glow? Did I do something I wasn't supposed to? Is it ok?" 

I ask the questions in a rapid fire way, scared I may have just crafted a poison rather than a healing potion, and hoping it glowed for a different reason.